Scammers are always finding new ways to extort money from unsuspecting victims; and utilizing mobile devices as a primary method for this type of criminal activity continues to take center stage. Most recently, there have been reports of people receiving texts from people posing as a financial institution informing the recipient that there has been a “hold” put on their account and asks that they click the link provided in the text message to remove the hold. Be careful of these messages and avoid clicking or responding to them in any way.
There has also been an increase in “One-Ring” phone scams. This is where you receive a call from an unfamiliar number and they hang up after one-ring. The idea behind this is that they are counting on your curiosity to get the best of you and call the number back. Once you have called the number, you get charged fees that go to the scammer. The fees are ultimately driven by the call being from an international number.
Mobile phone scams are always evolving and continue to be on the rise. In fact, did you know that in 2019, 40% of all calls in the US were were attributed to fraudlent calls? In 2017, it was only 2.7%. That is a startling increase in just two years.1
A few tips and reminders to keep in mind:
• NEVER give out your social security number via phone call or text. No legitimate financial institution will ask you to disclose that information over the phone.
• AVOID clicking any link sent to you by an unfamiliar phone number.
• If you don’t recognize the number that is calling you don’t answer or don’t call it back.
• DO NOT attempt to download an app or file that is sent to you by an unfamiliar sender. Downloading an unknown file can infect your device with a virus allowing the sender access to your personal information.
If you ever have any questions about a message you receive and wonder its validity, please do not hesitate to speak with a CES Credit Union associate! We are always here to help you sort out what’s real vs. what’s fraudulent.
Source
1 - Comparitech